A recent study by the National Institute of Public Health of Quebec (INSPQ) reveals that the supply of the Quebec Cannabis Society (SQDC) mainly focuses on products with high THC content. Experts say they are worried about such a tangent, which could direct consumers to powerful and risky products for health.
Tetrahydrocannabinol, known as THC, is the main psychoactive compound of cannabis. According to Axelle Marchand, an Inspq scientific advisor, the molecule is sought by consumers of recreational cannabis for its euphoric effects.
Since legalization in 2018, inhalation products sold at the SQDC have been capped at a rate of 30 % THC. This decision is based on psychiatrists advice and aims to reduce the risk of psychosis, dependence or depression among cannabis consumers.
Capped products
The Inspq notes that the Quebec cannabis company respects the limits allowed by law, but that its offer is mainly oriented towards products located near the maximum content, between 21 % and 30 % of THC.
“This over -representation of powerful products does not agree with the mission of the SQDC, which is supposed to protect public health”.
— Extract from the Inspq study
The researchers argue that a greater diversity of high -content products introduce a bias in branch advisers, who do not always value low -power products.
“Faced with a more limited choice, consumers may have to buy products that do not correspond to their need,” adds Audrey Kamwa Ngne, an Inspq scientific advisor and the study co -author.
An advantageous price depending on the power
Public health work also reveals that the SQDC offers a more advantageous price for high -level inhalation products.
“For the same price, the consumer can buy a product at 24 % or 3 %. As the price/effect ratio is better for flowers with high THC content, the consumer directs his choice towards this type of product, ”explains Ms. Ngne.
In interview with the sunthe SQDC ensures that it does not in any case orient the purchases of its customers to “powerful” products in THC. She claims to meet everyone’s needs and adapt her advice according to the situation.
The SQDC claims that suppliers offer fewer products at low intensity, since the sales volume is less attractive.
“Their offers are therefore largely focused on what consumers are looking for and necessarily have on the high THC rate,” says the Quebec cannabis society.
The study also recognizes that to compete against the illegal cannabis market, the SQDC must meet the demand of its regular consumers and that the conciliation between health effects and market imperatives is difficult to maintain.
According to the results of the 2023 edition of the Quebec Survey on Cannabis, consumers who continue to source an illicit supplier do it mainly due to higher prices in legal sources.
— L’Ispq
“30 %is a lot”
For Audrey Kamewa Ngne of the Inspq, a rate of 30 % “is a high intensity of THC” likely to generate repercussions on mental and physical health of consumers.
The scientist explains that there is a direct correlation between THC and the loss of memory and attention. Regular consumption can also lead to psychotic symptoms, such as the development of depressive disorders, social anxiety and schizophrenia.
“The scientific data available currently maintain that the higher the power of the cannabis, the more the risk of acute and chronic harmful effects on mental or physical health are high.”
— Extract from the Inspq study
Public health therefore recommends the use of cannabis at low THC levels.
“We know that the other provinces offer vaping products of up to 70 % of THC, but the limit permitted by Quebec is already higher than the 15 % suggested by psychiatrists during legalization,” compares Ms. Ngne.
The comparative analysis led by INPSQ reveals that Quebec has a stricter management of cannabis than other provinces in Canada. It is the only one to impose a 30 % THC limit on inhalation products and the price of flowers is generally higher at the SQDC than elsewhere in the country. “It can discourage some people to consume, which is good for health,” conclude experts.
